Madagascar, The Musical: A Smashing Success 

HRS students took the spotlight this spring and accomplished something remarkable: staging the school’s first musical, Madagascar!  

Students were excited to work with Danielle Melilli (Lower School Librarian), Nathalie Curtis (Director of Auxiliary Programs), and Owen Fox (Music Teacher) to bring HRS’ first musical theater performance to life. And what a show it was! Choreography, music, costuming, and action took center stage in front of an energetic audience who packed the house to support the cast and crew.  

The musical was a true team effort. “It was important to me for the musical to be a for us, by us situation for the students.” says Curtis. Students took on roles based on their interests: creating props in the Middle School Makerspace, dancing in the chorus through Dance Club, running lights in technical crew, and creating costumes with guidance from an experienced costume designer.  

For three months, the cast and crew were hard at work preparing the show. Working together, they rehearsed lines and music, learned dance numbers, constructed sets and props, and built costumes. When showtime arrived on June 6, students were ready to bring the house down. The cast performed with confidence and charisma, brought to life by creative costumes, set pieces, and lighting. The production was made possible by our neighbors at Giddens School and Lake Washington Girls Middle School, who were gracious enough to share their auditorium space for the show.  

From the first rehearsal to the final bow, Madagascar showcased the musical magic that HRS students can create when they work together. Bravo!